As a wedding photographer in Connecticut, there’s something truly magical about summer weddings. With vibrant colors, lush greenery, and warm sunshine, summer provides an enchanting backdrop for your special day. In this blog post, I’ll share some insights on why summer is the perfect season for a wedding in Connecticut and provide tips to ensure your summer wedding photography is as stunning as the day itself.

1. Stunning Natural Backdrops

Connecticut boasts a diverse range of beautiful locations that are particularly breathtaking during the summer months. From picturesque beaches along the Long Island Sound to charming gardens and vineyards, the options for stunning summer wedding backdrops are endless. The lush greenery, blooming flowers, and vibrant colors of summer create a picturesque setting for your wedding photos. Consider venues like:

The Ocean House in Watch Hill: With its breathtaking ocean views and elegant ambiance, this venue is perfect for a summer beach wedding.
Wadsworth Falls State Park: The park’s stunning waterfalls and scenic trails provide a natural backdrop for stunning outdoor wedding photography.
Roseland Cottage in Woodstock: This historic venue features beautiful gardens and architecture, making it a charming choice for a summer celebration.

2. Beautiful Golden Hour Lighting

One of the most significant advantages of summer weddings is the longer daylight hours. The golden hour—the hour just before sunset—offers soft, flattering light that enhances your wedding photos. This is the ideal time for romantic couple portraits, as the warm sunlight creates a dreamy atmosphere. I always encourage my couples to carve out some time during this magical hour for intimate portraits, capturing the essence of their love amidst the stunning summer backdrop.

3. Vibrant Color Palettes

Summer weddings allow for vibrant color palettes that reflect the season's energy. Bold hues, such as coral, fuchsia, and sunny yellow, can be beautifully incorporated into your floral arrangements, bridesmaid dresses, and decor. As a photographer, I love working with these lively colors, as they add depth and excitement to the images. Whether you’re opting for a tropical theme or a more classic look, summer allows for creativity in your color choices.

4. Outdoor Ceremonies and Receptions

Summer is synonymous with outdoor celebrations, and many couples choose to host their ceremonies and receptions in beautiful outdoor settings. Whether it’s a garden wedding, a rustic barn, or a tented reception by the lake, outdoor venues offer a unique charm and ambiance. However, outdoor weddings also come with considerations for lighting and weather. As your wedding photographer, I’ll work with you to determine the best times for your outdoor photos and ensure we have a backup plan in case of unexpected summer showers.

5. Seasonal Activities and Experiences

Summer weddings in Connecticut often come with the opportunity for fun seasonal activities that can add a personal touch to your celebration. Consider incorporating activities like lawn games, cocktail hour on the patio, or even a fireworks display to delight your guests. These elements can create a festive atmosphere and provide fantastic opportunities for candid photography that showcases the joy and excitement of your day.

6. Plan for Comfort

While summer weddings are beautiful, they can also be warm, so it’s essential to plan for your guests' comfort. Consider providing shaded areas, fans, or cool beverages during the ceremony and reception. Additionally, encourage your bridal party to choose breathable fabrics that will keep them cool throughout the day. As your photographer, I’ll work to capture those authentic moments of laughter and joy, ensuring that even the warmest days feel comfortable and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Summer weddings in Connecticut offer unparalleled beauty and vibrant experiences that create lasting memories. With stunning natural backdrops, beautiful lighting, and the opportunity for creative celebrations, it’s no wonder that summer is a favorite season for couples. As a wedding photographer, I’m passionate about capturing the unique essence of your summer wedding, from candid moments to breathtaking portraits.

If you’re planning a summer wedding in Connecticut, I would love to be part of your journey and help document your love story. Let’s connect and start planning how to make your summer wedding unforgettable!

A Summer Wedding day in Middletown, Connecticut at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.

Sarah and Robin celebrated their wedding day at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills located in Middletown, CT.

The Barns provides a beautiful location for an outdoor wedding ceremony with big beautiful willow trees adding greenery to your ceremony. Inside, The Barns provides a rustic wooden style with beautiful string light detail in the reception space.

This Summer wedding day began with the Bride getting ready with her family and friends inside of the bridal suit at The Barns. After their hair and makeup was completed by Two Spa Girls and Image Hair Studio, Sarah got on her dress with the help of her Mom and then did a First Look with her girls. It was such an emotional moment watching the bride reveal her final look on her big day to her bridal party.

Following the getting ready portion of their wedding day, we headed outside and the bride had a First Look with her Father and then with her Fiancé. Both moments were so special to everyone.

We had a lot of fun during the wedding party portraits, kicking it off with the bridesmaids surprise “icing” the groomsmen. It was such a fun way to kick off the formal images.

Sarah and Robin’s ceremony was officiated by their good friend and Robin’s best man, Mike Shaw. Mike’s familiarity with the bride and groom provided the perfect balance of humor, love, and personalization that can only come from someone who knows them so well.

Doing the bulk of the formal images before the ceremony allowed Sarah and Robin to enjoy the majority of cocktail hour with their guests. I love being able to capture lots of candid moments during cocktail hour of the bride and groom with their family and friends. Cocktail hour is the perfect time for brides and grooms to be able to have the time to mingle with their loved ones, and I love when brides and grooms work their timeline with me to be able to be at cocktail hour with their guests.

Following cocktail hour the reception was filled with first dances, amazing food, and a super fun dance floor.

Makeup: Two Spa Girls
Hair: Image Hair Studio
Florist: In Bloom Event Designs
DJ: Power Station Events